25 November – 10 December 2017
From 25 November, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, to 10 December, International Human Rights Day, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is marking the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence campaign. The 16 days campaign raises awareness and galvanises action to end violence against women and girls around the world. The campaign is marked by the United Nations, governments and civil society organisations and the private sector around the world.
Globally, more than one in every three women has been beaten, coerced into sex, or abused in some other way, most often by someone she knows, including her husband or another male family member. Women and girls with a disability are the most vulnerable to this form of violence. Addressing violence against women requires a multifaceted approach, including prevention, treatment and strengthening legal responses nationally and internationally.
Subjecting women and girls to violence, limiting their choices and restricting their movements and excluding their voices from decision-making is not only a human rights abuse, but leads to poor social and economic outcomes for everyone.
Eliminating violence against women and girls everywhere is a priority for the Australian Government through its foreign policy, economic diplomacy and aid program through the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
Women and girls in the Pacific face some of the highest levels of violence in the world: over 60 per cent of surveyed women and girls in some countries have experienced violence by an intimate partner or family member. That's why the Australian Government is working with Pacific Governments and organisations across the region to address violence against women and girls: through supporting front-line and emergency services; improving access to justice; and early intervention programs to prevent violence before it occurs. Over the next 16 days we will share stories on how the Australian aid program's Pacific Women Shaping Pacific Development initiative is addressing violence against women and girls. Please follow the journey over the 16 days and join the call to action to end violence against women and girls globally.